For years, the Catholics of Kollangana faced a difficult six-kilometer journey to Bela for Mass. Though land was purchased at Aranthodu in 1974, construction faltered for a decade. The turning point came in September 1984, when Bishop Basil S. D’Souza laid the foundation stone for a chapel following persistent appeals from the faithful.

The arrival of Fr. Valerian Rodrigues in 1985 ignited momentum. Uniting the local community—who generously offered their labor despite limited resources—Fr. Rodrigues led the completion of the church, dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle, and secured land for a local cemetery. A presbytery followed in 1993 under Fr. Paul D’Souza.

Recognizing the community’s steady growth, the Bishop appointed a priest commission to evaluate the area. Following a positive report, Kollangana was officially elevated to an independent parish on May 4, 1998, with Fr. Oswald Monteiro installed as its pioneering resident priest.

Supported by the Bethany Sisters (who joined the mission in 2003) and successive pastors, Kollangana parish stands today as a testament to grassroots faith, shared sacrifice, and enduring pastoral vision.